Satellite Articulated-Arm Thrust Sequencing for Three-Axis Desaturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite orbit and attitude control methods face challenges in efficiently managing three-axis desaturation of angular momentum storage devices, leading to increased fuel consumption and stress on articulated arms, which can result in reduced controllability and higher failure probabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a maneuver plan with discontinuous thrust maneuvers, where thrust sub-maneuvers are separated by non-zero duration intervals, allowing for increased controllability and desaturation capacity without excessive fuel consumption or stress on articulated arms, by modifying thrust forces over time through satellite movement during interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous thrust maneuvers are used for desaturation, then desaturation capacity is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing discontinuous thrust maneuvers with alternating active and passive phases. The propulsion units are activated in alternating sequences rather than continuously, creating a periodic thrust pattern that achieves desaturation over time while reducing cumulative fuel consumption compared to continuous thrust operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous thrust maneuver into multiple discrete thrust sub-maneuvers separated by non-zero duration intervals. Each propulsion unit executes thrust sub-maneuvers in alternating sequences, dividing the overall desaturation process into manageable segments that reduce energy consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
2Productivity
If thrust maneuvers are intensified to improve desaturation, then desaturation capacity is improved, but stress on articulated arms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic activation pattern allows articulated arms to experience thrust forces in alternating sequences rather than sustained continuous loading. The passive intervals provide stress relief periods, reducing cumulative fatigue and extending the operational life of the articulated arms while maintaining desaturation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the thrust maneuvers into sub-maneuvers with intervals between them, the stress on articulated arms is distributed over time rather than concentrated. This segmentation reduces peak stress durations and allows for stress dissipation during passive intervals, protecting the mechanical structures.
3Productivity
If thrust maneuvers are extended to improve desaturation, then desaturation capacity is improved, but mission duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic thrust pattern with alternating active and passive phases extends the effective mission duration by reducing resource consumption rates during passive intervals. This allows the satellite to perform desaturation operations over longer periods without depleting fuel reserves, thereby extending operational mission life.
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the thrust operations into sub-maneuvers with intervals between them reduces the cumulative fuel consumption compared to continuous extended thrust. This segmentation enables the satellite to maintain desaturation capability over extended mission durations by managing fuel resources more sustainably.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances three-axis desaturation capacity while reducing fuel consumption and stress on articulated arms, improving satellite controllability and extending mission duration by spreading thrust maneuvers over time without increasing propulsion unit activation duration.
Implementation Method 1
a propulsion unit (30, 31) supported by said articulated arm (20, 21)... creating a thrust force
Implementation Method 2
create torques to oppose the perturbation torques... applying external torques to the satellite
Data Source
AI summary
A method for orbit control of a satellite in orbit around the Earth and for desaturation of an angular momentum storage device of satellite is disclosed having two articulated arms each supporting a propulsion unit. The method includes determining a maneuver plan having at least two thrust maneuvers, a first thrust maneuver to be executed using the propulsion unit of one of the articulated arms and a second thrust maneuver to be executed using the propulsion unit of the other articulated arm, controlling the articulated arms and the propulsion units according to the maneuver plan, at least one of the first and second thrust maneuvers being a thrust maneuver referred to as discontinuous, composed of at least two separate consecutive thrust sub-maneuvers.